New Delhi
The Indian domestic football scene is set to witness the return of some well-known institutional teams that once dominated the field and produced top-level players. Teams like Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Navy, Food Corporation of India (FCI), ESIC, Chennai Customs, and more are expressing their interest to participate in the upcoming AIFF Institutional League. These teams have a rich history in Indian football and have produced notable players in the past. For instance, BSF, which won the Durand Cup seven times during its prime, produced players like Manjit Singh and Narender Gurung. Similarly, FCI boasted a strong lineup with players like Atanu Bhattacharya, Krishanu Dey, Bikash Panji, Victor Amalraj, and Babu Mani. The decision to introduce the AIFF Institutional League was taken by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to provide equal importance to the amateur structure in football. The league aims to raise the level of competitive opportunities and ensure player security at this level. The institutional teams’ participation in the league is expected to revive their legacy and contribute to the growth of Indian football. The AIFF plans to select teams for the Institutional League through a bidding process and intends to finalize the selection by mid-October 2023. This initiative aims to provide a platform for the institutional teams to showcase their talent and make a positive impact on Indian football.
